Success of Enclosures Featuring Innovative Design Features for Public Display of Platypuses.

Abstract

The history of public displays of platypuses has often not been a happy one for the platypuses concerned; however, there are also some examples of success. Although other approaches to keeping platypuses in captivity have been developed, most of the interesting things which platypuses do occur underwater, and a properly designed and engineered structure provides the opportunity for much larger numbers of people to see platypuses than in open situations. The construction of displays at Brisbane Forest Park and Fleay's Wildlife Park incorporates several innovative features, but at least as importantly, a management approach which fundamentally allows the platypus to come and go from the display area as it pleases, has been implemented. There are now several years experience with these facilities and the successful maintenance of their residents.